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Natural Remedies
Are They Right For You?

”Learn about alternate treatments available to help you.”

Natural remedies have been around for centuries and tend to have a cultural or historical basis rather than a scientific one. They consist of a diverse group of products and practices that are not currently considered conventional medicine but may provide alternative pain relief.

Although minimal research has been done on many of these, there is still a growing trend for consumers to look to natural remedies and holistic medicine to fight inflammation and for alternative pain management.

The term complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been given to a very large group of non-traditional products and practices which includes things like anti inflammatory herbs, herbs for fibromyalgia and even an herbal pain killer.

Complementary refers to a treatment or intervention that is in addition to conventional medicine. Alternative refers to a treatment or intervention that is instead of conventional medicine.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) located in Bethesda, Maryland is the lead agency for the United States government’s scientific research on health care systems, practices and products that are not considered part of conventional medicine. The NCCAM has simplified complementary and alternative healthcare by categorizing the types of alternative medicine into five areas:

Whole Medical Systems

Whole medical systems are built upon theories and practices that have been developed apart from the conventional medicine. Examples of whole medical systems include:

Traditional Chinese medicine including acupuncture
Homeopathic medicine
Naturopathic medicine
Ayurvedic including yoga

Mind-Body Medicine

Mind-body medicine uses the power of thoughts and emotions to influence physical health. Examples are:

Biofeedback
Cognitive behaviour therapy
Relaxation techniques such as Trypnaural Mind Ascension
Mindful meditation
Prayer
Mental healing
Art therapy
Dance therapy
Music therapy
Hypnotherapy
Guided imagery

Biologically Based Practices

Biologically based practices use substances found in nature including:

Herbs and herbal products
Anti-inflammatory foods such as the ones that are a part of the Meals That Heal Inflammation program.
Vitamins and dietary supplements

Manipulative and Body-Based Practices

Manipulative and body-based practices are based on manipulation or movement of one or more parts of the body. Examples include:

Chiropractic
Massage therapy
Reflexology

Energy Medicine

Energy medicine involves the use of energy fields and includes:

Qi gong
Reiki
Therapeutic touch
Magnetic field therapy

Learn more about these types of holistic healing here.

If you decide to pursue a complementary or alternative medicine option, be sure to thoroughly research the CAM that interests you and find out if there are any regulatory bodies that oversee the area.

Ask questions of the treatment provider regarding their training and experience in treating people with your condition.

Be sure to inform all your health care providers of any CAM practices that you are using. Never use natural remedies as an alternative to proven traditional medicine or as a reason to postpone seeking medical treatment.

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